By Meryl
Like Steven Seagal in the classic-ish 1990 movie, here are ten hard-to-kill plants for sun and shade. From million bells to bush violets to begonias, when it comes to flowers and fire escapes, there will be no more killing.
For sun
The blinding light of a south-facing apartment isn’t hospitable for a lot of plants—inside or outside. Here are some that 
cope well. Fertilize them regularly, make sure they have good drainage, and they will last well into fall.
1. Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, come in stunning colors that range from flawless white to deep purple. Calibrachoa need consistent watering and work in any makeshift container.
2. Verbena (pictured) flowers profusely all summer and fall. It spills beautifully over all kinds of edges (container, window box) with its densely clustered blossoms. Choose from brilliant red to deep, dark blue. They are drought tolerant and only need an average amount of water.
3. Cape daisy, or osteospermum, are hardy to 25°F and come in colors from a deep pink to melon, purple and white. If they start getting leggy, cut them back. Pinching back isn't necessary but helps.
4. Bush violet, or browallia, have wonderful blossoms with velvety texture, rich blue color and contrasting center. Browallia goes well with almost anything, and its height, 12 to 14 inches, is great for use in the middle of a mixed container garden. Browallia need protection from too much wind.
5. Pentas sport large clusters of star-shaped flowers. Also called Egyptian star flowers, they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They don't need much care and will thrive, once established, through heat and drought. With regular feeding, good soil and good drainage pentas bloom until fall.
For Shade
No sun? No problem. These five plants for shade are easy to grow and look spectacular. All you need is the right container with good drainage, quality potting soil, water and plant food.
1. Fuchsias flower all summer and then transition well inside in the fall. They work well in hanging baskets and mixed containers. They look great paired with either complimentary or contrasting colors. Fuchsias like lots of food and water and prefer to be moist, not wet. They don't like hot, dry conditions.
2. Torenia, or wishbone flower, is an elegant plant that will flower all summer even in full shade. It is heat tolerant and easy to care for. It thrives with regular watering and fertilizing until frost. It is two to six inches tall and drapes well over the sides of containers.
3. Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are are gorgeous and almost indestructible. Thriving in the shade, most coral bells will also tolerate some sun and are drought tolerant. Coral bells come in fabulous and unusual colors, ranging from an almost black-purple to a peach to a bright lime. Coral bells attract hummingbirds and butterflies and some are hardy to –25°F. Removing flower stems after they have bloomed will keep them looking great.
4. Begonias range from blah to fab, flowering all summer. Most begonias need great drainage and don't want to be too wet. Some will be happy in full shade, and some would prefer filtered shade. Almost all flowering begonias will need to be fed regularly and generously with a diluted fertilizer.
5. Coleus are good-natured shade plants. Not fussy. Some will even thrive in full sun. Colors range from intense to weird, so take heed when mixing with other plants. The leaf shapes are exciting, too.